Aarhus Municipality: Museums, coastal forests and paths by the water

In Aarhus, city, forest and beach come together, and green experiences are easy to enjoy all year round. Aarhus Municipality offers a variety of ways to explore: museums tell stories of the city’s history and humanity’s past, while forests, coastlines and paths offer their own perspectives on the landscape. To plan your stay, you could start by asking yourself whether culture, nature or activity should be the main focus.

Museums and art with their own character

Den Gamle By presents the history of Danish market towns through four time periods: 2014, 1974, 1927 and 1864. The different years divide the presentation into clearly defined historical periods. The main entrance is a 15-minute walk from Aarhus Central Station. Alternatively, bus 3A runs approximately every 15 minutes, while routes 14, 114 and 118 run approximately every 30 minutes. These intervals may change, so check the current timetable before travelling.

At ARoS, “Your rainbow panorama” combines art and views: Olafur Eliasson’s permanent circular glass artwork consists of a 150-metre-long, 3-metre-wide walkway in the colours of the spectrum. Visitors can reach it by stairs or lift and walk a full circle, taking in views of Aarhus and the bay. The museum’s history also goes back a long way: ARoS houses Denmark’s oldest museum collection outside Copenhagen, founded by citizens of Aarhus in 1859.

The Moesgaard Museum in Højbjerg, south of Aarhus, focuses on archaeology and anthropology. It presents immersive stories about humanity’s past and present. Its permanent exhibitions take you through the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking Age and Middle Ages. In a Stone Age experience, you can use a bow and arrow. The Iron Age exhibition also features the Grauballe Man, considered the best-preserved bog body in the world.

Coastal forest, wildlife and seasonal art

Marselisborgskovene are coastal forests south of Aarhus and part of the Natura 2000 area “Giber Å, Enemærket and Skåde Havbakker”. The area, nominated for Aarhus’ nature canon, covers approximately 600 hectares. Marselisborg Dyrehave is located in its northern part. Visitors can observe and see deer, fallow deer and wild boar up close there all year round.

Below Varna Palace, Den Uendelige Bro forms a 360-degree, 188-metre circular route. The seasonal wooden bridge extends from the beach at Varna into Aarhus Bay and is accessible from April/May to October; the exact installation dates may vary from year to year. Check the dates before your visit. This makes it easy to distinguish the art walk from wildlife viewing at Dyrehave, which is possible all year round.

Paths, lakes and beaches

For a route that combines nature, architecture and history, the marked AUminoen through University Park and the city’s green spaces is one option. The Kystruten along Aarhus’ south coast, on the other hand, is clearly defined as 17 kilometres long: it runs through forests and along the water to Skovmøllen near Moesgård and back. The route can be enjoyed on foot, in running shoes or by bicycle.

Other landscapes have their own distinctive features. True Skov, a 650-hectare forest near the city centre, has challenging hiking and cycling routes. In Åby Skov, you can learn about the water cycle and enjoy wide views across hilly terrain dotted with small lakes. Egå Engsø near Aarhus is a scenic area with a rich variety of bird and animal life.

In and around Aarhus, east-facing beaches are surrounded by forests and green spaces, with calm, child-friendly waters. Åkrogen is close to the city centre and has a bathing jetty, a playground and a barbecue area. In summer, you can meet Aarhus tourism staff at the signposted tourist bicycles in Aarhus. The options range from designated hiking routes to specific spots by the water; choose the experiences that suit your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Brabrand, Beder, Løgten, Norsminde, Risskov, Malling, Egå, Ajstrup, Skæring, Lystrup, Hasselager, Ajstrup Strand, Solbjerg, Sabro, Gammel Løgten, Trige, Tranbjerg, Harlev, Hjortshøj, Beder Malling, Viby J, Holme-Højbjerg-Skåde, Aarhus, Skødstrup, Højbjerg, Tilst.

For the overview of the wider region: Central Jutland.